A little and little refer to uncountable nouns or determiners, and used with the singular form.
Uses:
She has a little piece of cake.
There's little tea left in the kettle.
A few and few refer to countable nouns/determiners, and are used with the plural form:
Uses:
There were a few grapes in the basket.
I have seen few films in my life.
A little and a few convey a positive meaning (satisfactory condition).
Uses:
I have a little money (you can buy some books).
We have received a few applications (enough).
Little and few convey a negative meaning (unsatisfactory condition).
Uses:
There was little food in the kitchen (not enough).
She had few friends in that city (not many).
